6
Effects of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on Self
Concept of Physically Challenged Undergraduate
Students in Rivers State
Dr. Eremie D. Maxwell
1
; Asodike, Victoria
2
& Dr. Margaret G. Kennedy
3
1,2
Department of Educational Foundation,
Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
3
International Secondary School,
Rivers State University, Nkpolu, Oroworokwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
1
Email-maxwelleremie@ust.edu.ng; (08034827746)
2
(08036721782)
3
Corresponding author Email- margaretkennedy240@gmail.com (08138885391)
ABSTRACT
The study investigated the effects of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy on self-concept of
physically challenged undergraduate students in Rivers State owned Universities. The pre-test, post-
test control group quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. A population of 36 physically
challenged undergraduate students were identified in the two state owned Universities. The census
sampling technique was adopted to study the entire population. A standardized instrument developed
and called Self-Concept Scale (SCS) by V.C.G Iwuji (996) was adopted for data collection. It was
reported to have proper validation through the rational approach based on individual judgement made
by four experts in psychology. The reliability was reported to have a range of .77 to.86 by applying
the split half reliability coefficient on the various scales of the instrument and the Spearman Brown
formula for the estimation of its full length. The face to face method of administration was used for
the administration of the instrument while the mean, standard deviation and the Independent t-test was
used for data analysis. Results shows that REBT had a tremendous effect on the self-concept of
physically challenged undergraduate students when the experimental and control groups were
compared. When the male and female students in the experimental group were compared no
significant difference was noted. Based on this it was recommended amongst others that: Pre-test,
Post-test quasi-experimental design should be adopted to appropriately pass a value judgement on the
effectiveness of treatment.
Keywords: Physically challenged, Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy, Self-Concept,
Undergraduates, and Universities.
INTRODUCTION
Self-concept is the dependent variable of the study, it relates to ones perceptions about self in relation
to one’s belief system. It represents what he perceives of his physical abilities, behavioural abilities
and relationship with the environment and with others (Asodike 2009). This agrees with Woolfolk in
Asodike (2009) when she defined self-concept as our attempts to explain ourselves to ourselves to
build a scheme. Human beings tend to behave in terms of having an awareness and understanding of
self; though this concept is quite difficult to quantify and define, Webster is of limited help. The self
is a dynamic, flowing becoming force. Sidney Howard in Asodike (2009) emphasized the potential
and tendency for change in the self-concept.
In Howard’s definition of the self-concept, it embraces all ones belief about his own nature, it
includes his assumptions about his strengths and weaknesses and possibilities for growth. The self has
influence on all the perception and schemes from the environment into the organism. A primary point
International Journal of Innovative Psychology & Social Development 8(3):6-13, July-Sept., 2020
© SEAHI PUBLICATIONS, 2020 www.seahipaj.org ISSN: 2467-8546